THe Plan
Locate a 150 kW solar farm in the town of Randolph. This will be large enough to fully power 30 average size Vermont homes with electricity. The farm will require about an acre of land with an excellent southern exposure. We selected a site for the project in Randolph Center. It was a sloping hayfield that is not classified as prime agricultural land. We chose local solar installer Catamount Solar to construct the solar farm. The CPG permitting process is currently was completed in October. We broke ground in November and completed the project before the end of the year. The racking and panels have a 25 year warranty and we expect the solar farm to last at least that long. Here is a view of the site near South Randolph, with the panel rows drawn in.
Buying Shares
Each solar share will consist 3 solar panels and associated equipment that provide a nominal output of 960 watts DC total. The share will produce about 1100 kilowatt hours yearly (that's about $210 in credit on your GMP bill).
1 Share will cost $2600 each ($2.70/watt)
Members who contribute their time to the project may buy shares at $2450 ($2.59/watt). That cooperative labor contribution must be a minimum of 4 hours per share before the solar farm comes online in December.
The shares are transferable, But no member can purchase more than 16 shares total.
EXAMPLE: If your electric bill averages $90 a month (and you don't find savings with our free electrical usage audit) your yearly electrical cost calculation is $1080. It is important not to buy more shares than you need, because the utility may not compensate if you produce more than you use in the year. 5 shares will produce $1050 in an average year, and will cover 97% of your yearly electric cost, reducing it from $1080 to $30.
On September 18, 2015 the Randolph Center Solar Farm Sold out
34 households and 2 businesses joined the project
ON December 28 the plan was realized
Randolph Community Solar came on-line on December 28. The electricity is flowing for the 34 member households. The project did not come easily, but our volunteer solar developers have proven local and affordable solar is possible.
Randolph Community Solar Farm 1 is up and running!
the next project
RCS had planned a second project because of strong community demand. Unfortunately the Vermont Public Service Board changed solar regulations in 2016 which eliminated grassroots community solar projects from any state incentives and production adders. There are efforts underway to change this shortsighted restriction, but until that time member owned community solar projects are not financially viable in Vermont.
Some Vermont Models for our Solar project
Boardman Hill Solar Farm in West Rutland.
Saxtons River Solar Collective
Putney Community Solar Array
